Plantar Warts

Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute

Podiatrists & Foot Surgeons located in Clinton Township, Chesterfield, Fort Gratiot, East China Township, Shelby Township, Rochester & Macomb, MI

Foot warts, medically known as plantar warts, can become uncomfortable and painful if you don’t get them treated properly. The top podiatrists at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute offer some of the most effective wart treatments. Click on the online scheduling feature to book your wart exam or call your nearest office directly.

Plantar Warts Q & A

What causes plantar warts?

Foot warts develop when human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your skin through weak spots or cuts. The virus thrives in areas that are warm, dark, and moist, which is why you can contract this infection by walking barefoot on a pool deck or in a gym locker room.

Not everyone who comes into contact with HPV develops a foot wart outbreak, though. Your chances of developing plantar warts increase because of:

Weakened immune system
Personal history of foot warts
Being younger — children and teenagers have a higher risk

Plantar warts aren’t typically a medical concern. But because they can spread and quickly become uncomfortable, it’s important to get them treated as soon as your symptoms start.

Do plantar warts cause symptoms?

Yes, and usually you can see the warts forming. Plantar warts appear as small, fleshy, rough lesions on the bottom of your foot, particularly in weight-bearing areas, such as your forefoot. These tiny growths often have a black pinpoint in the middle, which is a small, clotted vessel inside.

As foot warts progress and as you continue walking on them, they can start growing inward. You may notice a callus form over the wart when this occurs. It’s also common to experience pain or tenderness with foot warts.

All of these signs and symptoms warrant a trip to your podiatrist at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute. But it’s particularly important to head to the clinic if your warts are bleeding, continuing to spread, or keeping you from your daily activities.

How are plantar warts treated?

Your plantar wart treatment at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute is based on your needs, the severity of your wart outbreak, and your overall health. Your foot wart treatment plan may include:

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
Pulsed-dye laser treatments
Electrodesiccation and curettage surgery
Prescription-strength topical salicylic acid

Your podiatrist may also suggest specialized pads to cover your warts, so they don’t cause discomfort while you’re walking or standing.

Schedule your plantar warts exam at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute today. Request your appointment online or over the phone with your most convenient office.

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